Synonyms of stern

stern 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn 

1

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• harsh
• authoritarian
• tough
• rigid
• rigorous
• severe
• gruff
• relentless
• hard
• merciless
• hardened
• austere
• flinty
• steadfast
• ramrod
• demanding
• heavy-handed
• unbending
• adamant
• implacable
• pitiless
• uncompromising
• stiff
• exacting
• unforgiving
• dour
• unyielding
• unrelenting
• bullying
• callous
• inflexible
• unsparing
• hard-line
• ascetic
• determined
• immovable
• uncharitable
• unflinching
• adamantine
• obstinate
• ascetical
• monkish
• monastic
• ossified
• hard-hearted
• rock-ribbed
• dogged
• firm
• resolved
• intractable
• single-minded
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• lenient
• lax
• tolerant
• indulgent
• easy
• forbearing
• mild
• easygoing
• patient
• soft
• kind
• merciful
• charitable
• undemanding
• clement
• accepting
• responsive
• willing
• yielding
• laid-back
• softhearted
• flexible
• compliant
• agreeable
• complaisant
• amenable
• pliant
• acquiescent
• pliable
• compromising

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruff
• fierce
• grim
• intimidating
• rugged
• hostile
• severe
• forbidding
• bleak
• rough
• dour
• stark
• steely
• lowering
• austere
• flinty
• hardened
• stubborn
• ungentle
• somber
• cold
• dark
• louring
• solemn
• resolute
• black
• rigid
• steadfast
• stiff
• unflinching
• unbending
• moody
• adamant
• implacable
• obstinate
• uncompromising
• unsympathetic
• unfriendly
• determined
• wilful
• bound
• unrelenting
• unyielding
• purposeful
• serious
• inhospitable
• firm
• inimical
• willful
• obdurate
• inflexible
• sullen
• fixed
• resolved
• intent
• sulky
• unsmiling
• immovable
• hardheaded
• sombre
• humorless
• surly
• morose
• melancholy
• cheerless
• unchangeable
• immutable
• hard
• gloomy
• joyless
• melancholic
• mulish
• grave
• brooding
• glum
• staid
• sober
• set
• weighty
• self-willed
• ironhanded
• sobersided

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• mild
• benign
• soft
• tender
• meek
• benignant
• mellow
• quiet
• easy
• bland
• soothing
• sweet
• cheerful
• pleasant
• tranquil
• bright
• agreeable
• pleasing
• nonintimidating
• happy
• inviting
• merry
• glad
• sunny
• playful
• lighthearted
• mirthful
• silly
• goofy
• frivolous
• giddy
• flighty
• scatterbrained
• harebrained
• featherbrained
• light-headed

stern

2 of 2

noun

as in beam

Related Words

• beam
• rear
• haunches
• posterior
• backside
• tail
• cheeks
• rump
• butt
• behind
• seat
• rear end
• tail end
• breech
• bum
• fanny
• caboose
• buttocks
• fundament
• duff
• nates
• booty
• buns
• derriere
• hams
• bootie
• tush
• hunkers
• heinie
• bottom
• derrière
• keester
• keister
• moon
• can

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stern contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Where would ascetic be a reasonable alternative to stern?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of stern?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is severe a more appropriate choice than stern?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stern

Adjective

Witnesses reported hearing loud cracking sounds as the mooring lines began snapping one by one, causing the ship's stern to drift away from the dock. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 June 2025

The warship was damaged on May 21, when during its launch the stern went into the water but the bow stayed stuck on land. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 June 2025

Noun

As Van Helsing, Titus Welliver gives a commanding, dead-eyed and stern performance while Brady Hepner as older son Max curries our sympathies for having to endure the tyranny of an obsessed father. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

Or when the sternest tests of the characters’ character might arrive. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025

Phrases Containing stern

• from stem to stern